“宝藏小城”吸引外国游客！入境游版图下沉，OTA升级服务“留客”

Core Insights - The influx of foreign tourists to China is rapidly increasing due to the country's more relaxed entry policies, with a shift in tourist destinations from major cities to lesser-known "hidden gem" towns [1][2][3] - The travel preferences of foreign tourists are evolving, with a greater emphasis on in-depth experiences and exploration of less popular destinations, leading to a demand for upgraded services from domestic tourism companies [2][4] Tourism Trends - Foreign tourists are increasingly interested in visiting smaller cities and natural attractions, with significant growth in ticket bookings for destinations like Gansu Zhangye and Xinjiang Aksu [3][4] - High-speed rail has become a preferred mode of transportation for foreign visitors, with notable increases in bookings from countries such as Indonesia and Australia, indicating a trend towards longer stays and more extensive travel within China [3][4] Service Upgrades - The Chinese government has implemented policies to facilitate easier entry for foreign tourists, including extended visa-free transit periods and an increase in eligible ports of entry, which has led to a surge in inbound tourism [5][6] - Domestic tourism companies are enhancing their services to cater to foreign visitors, focusing on multilingual support, payment options, and streamlined travel arrangements [5][6][7] Industry Innovations - Major online travel service providers like Qunar and Ctrip are launching upgraded services, including personalized travel itineraries and dedicated consultation centers at airports to improve the experience for foreign tourists [7][8] - The potential for growth in China's inbound tourism market is significant, with current foreign exchange earnings from tourism still below the global average, indicating a vast opportunity for expansion [8]